The obligation
PCBUs must identify and manage risks from underground essential services before and during excavation work, including mandatory consultation with Before You Dig Australia.
Before commencing any excavation, a PCBU must check with Before You Dig Australia to establish the location of underground essential services (gas, electricity, water, sewerage, telecommunications). WHS Regulation 2025 r 304 sets specific obligations where excavation work is carried out adjacent to such services. Risk controls include trial holes, safe digging procedures, and supervision.
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- What
- PCBUs must identify and manage risks from underground essential services before and during excavation work, including mandatory consultation with Before You Dig Australia.
- Source
- summerland.austlii.edu.au
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Labels
underground services
Before You Dig
essential services
excavation
risk control
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Managing underground essential services during excavation is a WHS requirement set out in Excavation work (NSW). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). The relevant provision is Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) > Codes of Practice > Excavation Work > Underground Services § r 304.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Managing underground essential services during excavation is a WHS obligation under Excavation work (NSW). In short, PCBUs must identify and manage risks from underground essential services before and during excavation work, including mandatory consultation with Before You Dig Australia.
What changed recently?
Managing underground essential services during excavation was last updated on 13 August 2026.
